MIG Brazing: A Learning Process
Learning MIG brazing isn’t difficult, just different. And because there is less heat and no melting, it’s becoming a necessary skill to weld the new metals of today’s vehicles.
Buying Tips: Frame Machines/Benches
We talked to several manufacturers to find out what collision repairers should be looking for when shopping for a new frame machine or bench.
Tech Tips: This Ain’t Your Father’s Collision Repair Industry
New vehicle construction materials, such as ultra high strength steel, plastics, composites and other materials, offer up challenges we didn’t have to deal with in the “good ol’ days.”
Replacing a Quarter Panel and a Door
I like to have the body guy fit the new door and then remove it for paint. But he’s whining about having to put the door on twice. Who’s right?
Slideshow: SEMA 2013
This year’s SEMA Show was arguably the most successful to date, particularly for the Collision Repair & Refinish section. Check out our recap of the hottest rides, newest technology and more from the show floor!
Corrosion Protection: How Long Will Your Repair Last?
Today’s metals are stronger than ever but thinner, too. How long do you think it will take for corrosion to compromise metal strength once it takes hold – especially with the increasing use of liquid deicer to combat snow storms?
Life in the Fast Lane
The collision center at Gullo Ford discovered that creating a “fast lane” for minor collision repairs was the key to improving its cycle time.
Faster Than an Oak Tree
Today, we joke about shops that pulled out collision damage using a tree stump and log chains. As a PBE jobber with customers in rural Iowa in the 1970s, I knew some of those guys. When cars were built with perimeter frames and conventional steel, a talented tech could actually get the car square enough
Can I Section Here?
The increased use of tailored blanks and new metals has given new meaning to the age-old question, “Can I section here?” Doing it the old way could be dangerous.
Don’t Panic Over Collision Avoidance Systems
It won’t be till 2050 that every car on the road will have collision avoidance. Still, you need to tool up and train now.
Using Cold Straightening on High-Strength Steels
Using a torch to heat and straighten frame rails can compromise the structural integrity of today’s advanced metals. Cold straightening with an induction heater is the better choice.
Spot Welding
Vehicles today and the advanced metals they’re made of are making a stronger and stronger case for owning an inverter spot welder. Soon, it could be a necessary tool for all shops seeking to do OEM-recommended repairs.
